Love the foliage and all the frills of tropical plants? Wishing your backyard plot could look more like a Caribbean getaway? Surprisingly, many hot-weather-loving favorites from points farther south are hardy on the East End, so if you’re looking for a little lushness in the garden, give them a try.
Hardy Banana Plant
(Musa basjoo)
Zones: 5-10
Height: 6-14 feet; width: 6-14 feet
You’ll still have to buy bananas for breakfast at the grocery store, but this variety’s dramatic foliage puts on a dazzling show. After our region’s long winters, it takes a while for the plant to emerge in the spring, but your patience will be rewarded. Keep moist and fertilize regularly.
Hardy Begonia
(Begonia grandis)
Zones: 6-7
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
This plant produces shiny leaves throughout the summer season and sparkly pink blossoms in the fall. Great for a shade garden.
Leopard Plant
(Farfugium japonicum)
Zones: 7-10
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
Best in part to full shade, the leopard plant boasts shiny, almost plastic-looking leaves that give off tropical vibes. Yellow flowers emerge in the fall.
Cast-Iron Plant
(Aspidistra elatior)
Zones: 8-10
Height: 2 feet; width: 2 feet
The name says it all: This hard-to-kill houseplant can survive the winter outdoors, as long as it is heavily mulched and planted in a protected spot in deep shade to avoid leaf scorch.
Arum Lilly
(Zantedeschia albomaculata)
Zone: 7-10
Height: 1-2 feet; width: 1-2 feet
These larger-flowered lilies closely resemble tender calla lilies and prefer moist soil. They are ideal along the edge of a pond, and you can pot them up and bring them inside for the winter, too.
Swamp Lily
(Crinum x powellii)
Zones: 7-11
Height: 3-5 feet; width: 2-3 feet
A late-summer bloomer, this lily continues to bulk up year after year. Despite the common name, it is intolerant of too much water and performs best in sunny spots.
Tips
- If you’re fond of hardy tropicals but don’t completely trust Mother Nature, bring them inside for the winter before the first frost.
- Mulch or leaf litter is always a good idea for protecting plants that are marginally hardy in our region.
- Be sure to use these “exotics” in cut-flower arrangements, including their wonderful foliage. A vase of Farfugium leaves looks terrific on its own and will last a long time.
- Many of these plants grow rapidly, so learn how to propagate them, and share cuttings with friends.
- Regularly apply a good organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, and give some to your houseplants while you’re at it.